Marietta, Georgia

From the visitor center, start on the Kenneshaw Mountain Trail, which takes you up a series of switchbacks to the summit of Kennesaw Mountain (600' elevation gain). Take in the views of Atlanta from the top, then continue on the trail as it descends, then starts up Little Kennesaw Mountain. At 2...

Starting at the Burnt Hickory Parking lot on Kennesaw National Battlefield, you head south on a pretty flat trail. After a mile and a half you will come across a bridge that goes over Noses Creek. If you're looking to cover more ground, the trails around the creek expand for miles in any directio...

Sope Creek is a little slice of wild heaven squeezed into the hustle and bustle of Atlanta's metro madness. Bordering the Chattahoochee River, Interstate 285, and Suburbia sprawl, Sope Creek offers the city dweller an environmental escape that seems too good to be true. From the parking lot off...

The East Palisades trail is one of the only real hiking trails within Atlanta's perimeter.  Although it boasts surprising beauty and great trails, relatively few people in the city are aware this trail even exists.  As part of the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, this section of forest is ...

Big Trees is truly a backyard beauty. The entrance connector brings you through to the beginning of the trails. If you are low on time, try out the Big Trees Loop (1/2 mile) which appears slightly before the major Backcountry trail system. Without going too deep into the preserve, you can still e...

Blue Heron Nature Preserve is located directly off of the heavily trafficked Roswell Road in Buckhead.  The preserve boasts seven acres of greenery, wetlands, meadows, wildlife, and wildflowers.  There is even an educational facility located on the grounds for those extra curious explorers.  This...

From Riverside Road, the Vickery Creek Trail takes you alongside the creek, then to an intersection where you will turn right. Switch onto Outer Loop Trail at the next intersection, and keep an eye out for marked junctions going forward. The trail will take you to the Roswell Mill waterfall, the...

Rope Mill Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Woodstock, Georgia.

Park your car on the residential road and look across the street into the woods for the trail. The trail winds around through a bamboo forest with streams winding in and out. The trail splits and you can either take the high road or low road closer to the river. Both trails meet back up near the...

Sweetwater Creek State Park offers a breath of fresh air and beautiful sights only 15 miles from Atlanta. The park has 9 miles of trails to choose from. The shortest of the three trails is the Red Trail (1 mile, one-way). After a half mile you will arrive at the impressive 5 story New Manchester ...

Sweetwater Creek State Park lies just about 20 minutes West of Downtown Atlanta.  An easy drive along I-20 from the large city makes this park a very popular destination, especially on the weekends.  Out of the parks three main trails, the Red Trail is by far my favorite.  Scenic river views and ...

To visit the Eastside Trail of the Atlanta Beltline, park in the paid public parking (different pricing Monday-Thursday & Friday-Sunday) at the far southeast corner of Piedmont Park, behind the Park Tavern restaurant and brewery. From there, walk to the intersection of Monroe Dr. and 10th St....

Red Top Mountain State Park finds itself just 30 minutes up I-75 from the urban sprawl of Atlanta, and it is surprising how quickly you can forget exactly how close you are to the city with just one night of camping here.  The State Park has a range of activities to offer, so there is bound to be...

The Georgia summer is no joke. Fortunately, Red Top Mountain's Homestead Trail hosts enough shade and swimming for all adventurers. The 5.5 mile loop is located on a large peninsula stretching out into Lake Allatoona. Hikers enter a lush forest of wildlife and will encounter moderate elevation...

A quick and local getaway from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta city life, Cascade Springs Nature Preserve offers over 100 acres of forested trails that lead to Utoy Creek and Cascade Falls.The trail starts at the parking area and leads to a boardwalk where old historical structures stand alongsi...

Etowah Indian Mounds Interpretive and River Walk Trails is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Cartersville, Georgia.